Reviews

Some Feedback from Vikings who have been out on tour with us so far this year…

“Just wanted to write a little note of thanks for all your help on booking our Viking Splash Tour. Myself, the leaders and our teen members just wanted to say a massive thanks to our driver “Anto” and Viking Splash for a great experience. Anto was an absolute legend, his jokes were great and we genuinely were imparted with some great Dublin knowledge that we didn’t know ! Would highly recommend Splash to anyone visiting Dublin or even for the locals ! And will have no hesitation in using you again. We also really enjoyed TGI’s, thanks again – have a great day” – Edel

“Just finished the tour and want to say thanks and well done. I am former Lord Mayor of Dublin and it was really interesting to see Dublin from this new perspective. The Viking Splash Tour really is a unique and exciting way to see a unique and exciting City. Well Done” – Dermot Lacey, Former Lord Mayor of Dublin

“Just a big THANK YOU for the really enjoyable tour we had last Thursday 29th March. We have a really great time. The tour guides were great fun and really informative. I’d definitely recommend this tour to everyone and will bring another group of students in the future. Thanks again” – Fiona McNamee

“Captain Pat was brilliant, a really great guide. He made us all laugh, especially the children. I will be looking for him if I do the tour again and would recommend him to anyone.” - Deborah Murray

“We went on your Viking trip today as part of a school outing and I felt I had to compliment you and our guide Anto. It was truly amazing, the fun side with our Viking roar and also the amount of knowledge we gained about Dublin is truly commendable. I would strongly recommend this tour and keep up the great work” – Sharon

Read other reviews from Happy Vikings below!

Check out this review from Jenna Crotty

A 31-foot yellow bus full of Vikings has just launched passed my office window and landed in the Grand Canal. None of my colleagues bat an eyelid, because they have become quite accustomed to the sight of a seven tonne bus propelling itself into the water outside our office every day.

This bus is no ordinary bus, it is Dublin’s Viking Splash Tour bus, which must be the only bus tour in Dublin, and Ireland, that magically transforms into a boat. The Vikings (a.k.a. the passengers wearing horned helmets) let out a roar of excitement as the hybrid vehicle splashes into the canal basin. ‘This is your captain speaking…’ I hear the bus driver say as the most unique bus tour in Dublin cruises out of sight.

Vikings Versus Celts

A few days later, I decide to try out this Dublin sightseeing experience. The tour departs from St. Stephan’s Green, where my fellow passengers and I are united as Vikings against the enemy Celts (i.e. everyone who is not on the bus). I tune my ear to the tour guide’s hearty inner-city accent and before I’ve even stepped onto the bus, his subtle gags and quick wit have me laughing.

Passing O’Connell Street

Roaring Through The Streets Of Dublin

Elevated above the pedestrian and traffic Celts below, the Viking tour bus offers a strategic vantage point for taking photographs of the famous sites it passes. Our Dublin sightseeing excursion takes us passed Trinity College, The Ha’Penny Bridge, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church and Dublin City Hall. We roar through the historic streets of Georgian Dublin, O’Connell St and Grafton St, and we pass Wood Quay, the famous site of the first Viking settlement.

I snap a photo of the site of Jonathon Swift’s house and I learn the whereabouts of the National Archives (the place to be if you want to trace your Irish roots). Our guide pin points places that some of Dublin’s icons such as Bram Stoker, U2, Molly Malone and Oscar Wilde frequented. Every reference is embellished with clever quips and sharp wit.

Passing The Just Search Office

Into The Water

Eventually we end up right outside the Just Search office, waiting for the bus to line up and launch into the water. As the guide manoeuvres a three-point turn, each time he reverses he exclaims into the microphone ‘Beep. Beep. Beep.’ Up until this moment, I have often wondered, as I sat typing in the office, where that sound was coming from.

Amid screams of excitement, our vessel descends the ramp and advances into the waters of Dublin’s Grand Canal.

Recommended

I would recommend the Viking Splash Tour to families, hen parties, stag parties, and anyone who wants to laugh their way around Dublin city. The tour promises a healthy dose of self-deprecating Irish sarcasm, mixed with celebratory comments about Dublin’s modern, historic and literary achievements.

Passing Under The Dublinia Viking Museum

It is light-hearted and doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still manages to accurately deliver interesting, historical facts. It’s not hop on/hop off, but it’s not trying to be, maybe because a hop on/hop off option would ruin the fluidity (excuse the pun) of the experience.

On a side note: I now understand, as I negotiate Dublin fair city’s busy streets, why sometimes the passengers of a passing Viking Splash Tour randomly roar at pedestrians. When I was a passenger on the bus last weekend, my fellow Vikings and I were instructed to roar at the enemy Celts too. Thankfully our roars were met with waving hands and snapping camera lens.

If you want to be a Viking, check out www.vikingsplash.com to book your Dublin tour.